An investigation of the influence of patient-related factors and comedications on lamotrigine clearance in patients with epilepsy.

Lamotrigine (LTG) is one of the most widely used antiepileptic drugs. Confusion still exists in the literature as to the relative influence of age, body weight, and concomitant drug therapy on LTG pharmacokinetics. So, the objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of patient-related factors and comedication on LTG apparent oral clearance (CL/F).

The social context and the need of information from patients with epilepsy: evaluating a tertiary referral service.

Objective: Characterize the social profile and the need of information from patients with refractory epilepsy.

Method: A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to 103 patients to investigate sociodemographic aspects, pharmacotherapy and any doubts about epilepsy.

Results: Patients were highly dependent on having a free and accessible supply of antiepileptic drugs.